Heartbeats - A Galactic Requiem Esben Kjaer Ravn "A strange game that should make the top of the charts in little time." - Time magazine - Game of the Month feature. **3… Free Buy Now Watch Media Details"A strange game that should make the top of the charts in little time." - Time magazine - Game of the Month feature. **3 Nordic Game Award Nominations** **Danish Game Award Nominee - Best Danish Game** **Spilprisen Award Nominee - Artistic Achievement** Prologue: When no one was watching, he would indulge in puzzles so challenging and unforgiving that they would make him forget the world outside - and the war that consumed the galaxy. And so, all he left behind for the universe to remember him by was a series of puzzles that portrayed the events that had moved and made him. This game was his story and his legacy. He called it Heartbeats. ------- Heartbeats is A stylish mix of classic point'n'click'ish puzzles. A graphic novel in iPhone format. A hardcore, old school and unforgiving experience. A short story where each pages is the puzzle, that unlocks the next. A bunch of Spotify playlists as game music. A game where the first 3 levels are for free. A game where the remaining 7 levels cost only $ 0,99. "It's a beautifully presented think piece: a selection of cryptic puzzles told within the framing device of a wistful narrative." - AppSpy/PocketGamer "We loved the experience. It's not long, but it's both deep and deeply satisfying." - Cnet, Best mobile games of March 2015 feature. Information Seller:Esben Kjaer Ravn Genre:Adventure, Puzzle Release:Mar 18, 2015 Updated:Mar 15, 2016 Version:2.3 Size:28.3 MB TouchArcade Rating:Unrated User Rating: (3) Your Rating:unrated Compatibility:HD Universal - Sci-fi - For iPhones - 10 levels - Paywall after three levels - $ 0.99 - Hardcore/old school puzzle - Mix between graphic novel & puzzle game - Includes several wonderful Spotify playlists Sneak peak video (it's hard not to spoil it, so this is what you get, you'll see why): Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel The first three levels are free, so please, tell us what you think in this thread!? We're dying to know! forsakenxe Well-Known Member Oct 23, 2014 709 0 16 #2 forsakenxe, Mar 18, 2015 I recieved a promo and was asked to provide feedback so here we go : Pro: I like the vastly different art style, the integration of spotify to safe money (it's quote uncommon but works suprisingly fine! (i guess if you have to sit through ads thats annoying), i like the harcore aspect to a degree so you have to figure everything out with no help. Contra: I do not like the "hardcore no help aspect" as sometimes i literally did not know what to do for MINUTES which just results in me draging stuff across the screen with 0 feedback or result. I have not finished it yet so please consider this (!) but i think 10 levels is a bit on the low side but if you like the first 3 i guess 0,99 cents is not much to asked for and you support the kind devs Suggestions: Either a hint button or a timed hint (e.g. after 5-10 minutes maybe adjustable in settings) to see what you could do or just get some hints every x (2/3?) minutes with tips that get more specific everytime? Something like this would help accessablity i think and on the other hand if you do turn these help features of by default the initial experience becomse unchanged. Cheers and thanks for the code again, sign me up if you make another game! Andy C83 Well-Known Member Oct 20, 2010 3,627 20 38 Over the Rainbow #3 Andy C83, Mar 18, 2015 This is out now in the UK; I've been looking forward to this. nemerleb Well-Known Member Jan 19, 2013 544 0 0 #4 nemerleb, Mar 18, 2015 Last edited: Mar 18, 2015 Yep I highly recommend you give this one a go since the first 3 levels are free. The art style is really cool and the puzzles well thought-out. Support the devs so you can enjoy more of this! esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #5 esbenravn, Mar 18, 2015 Yes, hints, no, hints, as you put it in both pro and cons, you sum it up quite beautifully. We felt that way to, but chose deliberately to cater the hardcore puzzler here. It definitely splits people up, though, in there appreciation of the game. But hint structures are cool if they are really invested in and done right. We'll find that kind of funding for a future project and do a kick ass hint setup! Thanks a lot. This is excactly, the feedback, we are hoping for! esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #6 esbenravn, Mar 18, 2015 Cool, very cool, we look forward to your judgement at the other end! /Esben - designer - Heartbeats Faultyairlock Active Member Mar 18, 2015 30 0 0 #7 Faultyairlock, Mar 18, 2015 I'm enjoying this game so far. The puzzles are unique and I like how they move the story along. All in all I'm hooked and will be purchasing the entire game. JJTar New Member Jul 20, 2010 2 0 0 #8 JJTar, Mar 18, 2015 Found the puzzles unique and liked that they integrated well with text of the story. My only concern was how brief the three puzzles were to complete. Doesn't seem like there would be any replay-ability, and the whole experience could be over far too soon. For a dollar though, it is a bit of an impulse buy that would allow some afternoon entertainment. esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #9 esbenravn, Mar 18, 2015 AppSpy preview If you just want to see whats up rather than troubling yourself with App Store and actual gaming, check this out: Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel copaeci Well-Known Member Nov 2, 2012 1,606 0 0 student, writer, reviewer, beta tester ID http://about.me/yesi.livera #10 copaeci, Mar 19, 2015 First off, thanks for promo code and sorry for the late reply. At first, i don't realize if the game was made for iPhone only, usually I avoid an iPhone only game since it's uncomfortable to be played on iPad. Though this one is exceptional. The game still playable on iPad although it's not high resolution enough. Wish the dev can consider to make this universal. Regarding the puzzle, it's fun to make player explore the game level itself. However, like other said without hint, this can be frustrating to be played. I have no idea what should I do on the last trial level. Spoiler Seven around galaxy , sound like a clue. However, Spoiler try to close the eyes 7 times didn't give me a solution. I ended up with frustration here.. sorry. May be you can add a hint option pop up, such as: may be you can add time analytic inside your game level. So if it's basically require... said 2 minutes to solve that level, when it's already more than 3 minutes, may be you can offer hint option. Ask for hint can be available as separate purchase, ask friend on twitter/ facebook (well, though some people dislike it but some facts said if sharing will helping people to know more about your game), or you can give hint for free by watching the video ads. However, the last option might annoy the one who already paid the game. Well, still the hint is optional only. Good luck with your game PeteOzzy Well-Known Member Oct 30, 2013 4,596 3 0 Norwich, England #11 PeteOzzy, Mar 19, 2015 Lol, not sure why Cloudpuff's post or my thread was deleted on this one, slightly weird... Anyway, this looks fantastic - I'll always champion the oddball, unique experiences so this is right up my street! madmaxmedia Well-Known Member Mar 28, 2009 62 0 6 #12 madmaxmedia, Mar 19, 2015 Last edited: Mar 19, 2015 I signed up for and received a promo code, so I was surprised that the code just got me the same free app download with just the 1st 3 levels... Anyway, an interesting game with cool art style. The 1st 3 puzzles weren't that difficult with a little trial and error, there is a bit of hints in the narrative text. I don't know where the story is going, hopefully the story is good because that would seem like a big part of the 'reward' of playing the game. I feel like maybe if I was given a little more about the story in the original download, it might compel me more to buy the rest of the game. If the other levels were as short as the 1st 3, then I would wonder about value for the price. After playing the 1st 3 levels, I'm not sure if the rest of the game will last me 10 more minutes and then I'll never open it again, or maybe the rest of the game will be somewhat challenging and also perhaps cool enough to make me want to experience again. But if you are into offbeat artsy stuff, the 99 cents is less than a cup of coffee anyway... There's no in-game soundtrack, but there is a list of Spotify playlists that you can check out and play in the background (that works well, there are a few different genres to choose from.) esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #13 esbenravn, Mar 19, 2015 Yes, we've really restrained ourselves and focused on, what we would be able to deliver this time around, so universal solutions and hints got left out. So did music (sort of) and sound. This is of course not, something we argue is an artistic choice or that we didn't do these things because we like it exactly that way, but rather it's choices and priorities that could be made and still allow us to deliver a small but still full game experience. Next time we do a graphic puzzle, we hope to bring all this to the table as well. Thank you a lot for this elaborate feedback, it really does us a lot of good! /Esben - designer - Heartbeats esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #14 esbenravn, Mar 19, 2015 Oh, sad, why? I for one, don't have anything to do with it, and I would have loved to see, what it was about? /Esben - designer - Heartbeats esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #15 esbenravn, Mar 19, 2015 Press Release Puzzle If you want some general background on the game, you need to pass the PRESS RELEASE PUZZLE: Here: http://www.kongorange.com/heartbeats_press_release_puzzle/ (and if you're not able to, but still wants to check up on background then just cheat and go here: http://www.kongorange.com/heartbeats_press_release/) Do you think the game journallist will like us or just flat out disregard us due to that approach? The press release just went out btw, so we're about to find out. Gulp! kristoffer Well-Known Member May 18, 2014 131 0 16 #16 kristoffer, Mar 19, 2015 I received a promo code for Heartbeats. I enjoyed the levels I was able to play and have to say it has been a stark departure from what I have become entrenched in playing on iOS for some time. I look forward to playing through the full game when I have time to endure the frustrations and triumphs that will surely be present. redribbon Well-Known Member Jun 11, 2010 2,799 53 48 entepreanur,programmer #17 redribbon, Mar 19, 2015 this one looks interesting. im gonna give it a try later esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #18 esbenravn, Mar 19, 2015 The cop of coffee analogy is spot on, we want it to be short, but still there's more challenging puzzles at the final 7 (not free) levels. Glad you like the Spotify lists! Regrettably promo codes doesn't work for in app purchases (such as hour paywall), so our use of promo codes have primarily been focused on spreading the game and gaining valuable feedback prior to actual release. Thanks, this feedback makes us smarter people. It's highly valued. /Esben - designer - Heartbeats PeteOzzy Well-Known Member Oct 30, 2013 4,596 3 0 Norwich, England #19 PeteOzzy, Mar 19, 2015 Oh gosh no, I wasn't thinking you did at all; it will have just been a mod making a mistake. I made a thread for Heartbeats a few hours before this and the impressions left on it were deleted with it. I'm not fussed about the credit, just Cloudpuff's review as it's always good to have more! Absolutely no worries I'm really looking forward to this, will be the perfect unwinding game with a coffee after work. Absolutely intrigued with the Spotify lists; I'd love to see more games use this. Outsourcing music yet still keeping it in theme with the game is genius! I'm awful with putting off getting round to games as I tend to not have the time to sink into them properly. Something a little shorter can be reassuring as I know I'll see everything regardless of how little time I can spare. esbenravn Well-Known Member Oct 15, 2013 123 18 18 Game Producer Aarhus, Denmark. http://www.kongorange.com #20 esbenravn, Mar 19, 2015 Damn, I'm curious! At least Cloudpuff, please, bring back your review here, maybe? I'm really happy, you appreciate the idea of the playlists. I'll present them one by one in this thread too, when I get around to it the coming days. The creators did a really good and really different job each! I know the putting off too many games thing by heart, I must admit. I hope you get around to it, and thanks for clarifying and responding in general. It's game dev gasoline! /Esben (You must log in or sign up to post here.) 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I recieved a promo and was asked to provide feedback so here we go : Pro: I like the vastly different art style, the integration of spotify to safe money (it's quote uncommon but works suprisingly fine! (i guess if you have to sit through ads thats annoying), i like the harcore aspect to a degree so you have to figure everything out with no help. Contra: I do not like the "hardcore no help aspect" as sometimes i literally did not know what to do for MINUTES which just results in me draging stuff across the screen with 0 feedback or result. I have not finished it yet so please consider this (!) but i think 10 levels is a bit on the low side but if you like the first 3 i guess 0,99 cents is not much to asked for and you support the kind devs Suggestions: Either a hint button or a timed hint (e.g. after 5-10 minutes maybe adjustable in settings) to see what you could do or just get some hints every x (2/3?) minutes with tips that get more specific everytime? Something like this would help accessablity i think and on the other hand if you do turn these help features of by default the initial experience becomse unchanged. Cheers and thanks for the code again, sign me up if you make another game!
Yep I highly recommend you give this one a go since the first 3 levels are free. The art style is really cool and the puzzles well thought-out. Support the devs so you can enjoy more of this!
Yes, hints, no, hints, as you put it in both pro and cons, you sum it up quite beautifully. We felt that way to, but chose deliberately to cater the hardcore puzzler here. It definitely splits people up, though, in there appreciation of the game. But hint structures are cool if they are really invested in and done right. We'll find that kind of funding for a future project and do a kick ass hint setup! Thanks a lot. This is excactly, the feedback, we are hoping for!
I'm enjoying this game so far. The puzzles are unique and I like how they move the story along. All in all I'm hooked and will be purchasing the entire game.
Found the puzzles unique and liked that they integrated well with text of the story. My only concern was how brief the three puzzles were to complete. Doesn't seem like there would be any replay-ability, and the whole experience could be over far too soon. For a dollar though, it is a bit of an impulse buy that would allow some afternoon entertainment.
AppSpy preview If you just want to see whats up rather than troubling yourself with App Store and actual gaming, check this out: Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel
First off, thanks for promo code and sorry for the late reply. At first, i don't realize if the game was made for iPhone only, usually I avoid an iPhone only game since it's uncomfortable to be played on iPad. Though this one is exceptional. The game still playable on iPad although it's not high resolution enough. Wish the dev can consider to make this universal. Regarding the puzzle, it's fun to make player explore the game level itself. However, like other said without hint, this can be frustrating to be played. I have no idea what should I do on the last trial level. Spoiler Seven around galaxy , sound like a clue. However, Spoiler try to close the eyes 7 times didn't give me a solution. I ended up with frustration here.. sorry. May be you can add a hint option pop up, such as: may be you can add time analytic inside your game level. So if it's basically require... said 2 minutes to solve that level, when it's already more than 3 minutes, may be you can offer hint option. Ask for hint can be available as separate purchase, ask friend on twitter/ facebook (well, though some people dislike it but some facts said if sharing will helping people to know more about your game), or you can give hint for free by watching the video ads. However, the last option might annoy the one who already paid the game. Well, still the hint is optional only. Good luck with your game
Lol, not sure why Cloudpuff's post or my thread was deleted on this one, slightly weird... Anyway, this looks fantastic - I'll always champion the oddball, unique experiences so this is right up my street!
I signed up for and received a promo code, so I was surprised that the code just got me the same free app download with just the 1st 3 levels... Anyway, an interesting game with cool art style. The 1st 3 puzzles weren't that difficult with a little trial and error, there is a bit of hints in the narrative text. I don't know where the story is going, hopefully the story is good because that would seem like a big part of the 'reward' of playing the game. I feel like maybe if I was given a little more about the story in the original download, it might compel me more to buy the rest of the game. If the other levels were as short as the 1st 3, then I would wonder about value for the price. After playing the 1st 3 levels, I'm not sure if the rest of the game will last me 10 more minutes and then I'll never open it again, or maybe the rest of the game will be somewhat challenging and also perhaps cool enough to make me want to experience again. But if you are into offbeat artsy stuff, the 99 cents is less than a cup of coffee anyway... There's no in-game soundtrack, but there is a list of Spotify playlists that you can check out and play in the background (that works well, there are a few different genres to choose from.)
Yes, we've really restrained ourselves and focused on, what we would be able to deliver this time around, so universal solutions and hints got left out. So did music (sort of) and sound. This is of course not, something we argue is an artistic choice or that we didn't do these things because we like it exactly that way, but rather it's choices and priorities that could be made and still allow us to deliver a small but still full game experience. Next time we do a graphic puzzle, we hope to bring all this to the table as well. Thank you a lot for this elaborate feedback, it really does us a lot of good! /Esben - designer - Heartbeats
Oh, sad, why? I for one, don't have anything to do with it, and I would have loved to see, what it was about? /Esben - designer - Heartbeats
Press Release Puzzle If you want some general background on the game, you need to pass the PRESS RELEASE PUZZLE: Here: http://www.kongorange.com/heartbeats_press_release_puzzle/ (and if you're not able to, but still wants to check up on background then just cheat and go here: http://www.kongorange.com/heartbeats_press_release/) Do you think the game journallist will like us or just flat out disregard us due to that approach? The press release just went out btw, so we're about to find out. Gulp!
I received a promo code for Heartbeats. I enjoyed the levels I was able to play and have to say it has been a stark departure from what I have become entrenched in playing on iOS for some time. I look forward to playing through the full game when I have time to endure the frustrations and triumphs that will surely be present.
The cop of coffee analogy is spot on, we want it to be short, but still there's more challenging puzzles at the final 7 (not free) levels. Glad you like the Spotify lists! Regrettably promo codes doesn't work for in app purchases (such as hour paywall), so our use of promo codes have primarily been focused on spreading the game and gaining valuable feedback prior to actual release. Thanks, this feedback makes us smarter people. It's highly valued. /Esben - designer - Heartbeats
Oh gosh no, I wasn't thinking you did at all; it will have just been a mod making a mistake. I made a thread for Heartbeats a few hours before this and the impressions left on it were deleted with it. I'm not fussed about the credit, just Cloudpuff's review as it's always good to have more! Absolutely no worries I'm really looking forward to this, will be the perfect unwinding game with a coffee after work. Absolutely intrigued with the Spotify lists; I'd love to see more games use this. Outsourcing music yet still keeping it in theme with the game is genius! I'm awful with putting off getting round to games as I tend to not have the time to sink into them properly. Something a little shorter can be reassuring as I know I'll see everything regardless of how little time I can spare.
Damn, I'm curious! At least Cloudpuff, please, bring back your review here, maybe? I'm really happy, you appreciate the idea of the playlists. I'll present them one by one in this thread too, when I get around to it the coming days. The creators did a really good and really different job each! I know the putting off too many games thing by heart, I must admit. I hope you get around to it, and thanks for clarifying and responding in general. It's game dev gasoline! /Esben
